Can Brentford's sixth-place finish secure Premier League's Champions League spot in 2026?

Brentford are six points from fifth and three games from the end, locked in a fight for Europe with a potential Champions League spot on the line.

Brentford's unexpected rise Predictions suggested Brentford would struggle after losing their manager, captain, and top scorer. Instead, the club now stands on the brink of European football. Over the summer, Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard, and Bryan Mbeumo departed, yet Keith Andrews, Igor Thiago, and Dango Ouattara have stepped up. Currently sixth in the Premier League with three matches remaining, Brentford are within touching distance of a Champions League berth. Separated by just four points from 12th-placed Sunderland, the race to the finish promises more twists. ## How sixth could mean Europe A narrow set of results would allow Brentford or whoever finishes sixth to claim a Champions League place instead of the Europa League. The Premier League secured an extra Champions League spot in April, meaning the top five teams automatically qualify for next season's group stage. If Aston Villa lift the Europa League and finish fifth in the Premier League, sixth place could still earn a Champions League ticket. However, if Villa finish in the top four domestically, their Europa League win would pass the Champions League berth to the next best team in UEFA coefficients. Rangers could benefit if they win the Scottish Premiership. Brentford fans should monitor Villa's Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest. ## Villa's path to glory Aston Villa lost the first leg of their Europa League semi-final to Nottingham Forest 1-0 but will host the return match. The winners advance to face the winner of Braga versus Freiburg in the final on 20 May. Brentford's European fate may hinge on Villa's progress, as a domestic fifth-place finish would alter the Champions League qualification order. ## Manager and captain on the push Brentford manager Keith Andrews, in his first season at the helm, spoke about his team's top-six ambitions. When asked about their chances, he told the media outlet: 'It's tight. We've had a special season so far and I want us to continue that. We'll just keep pushing.' Newcastle, currently 13th but six points behind Brentford, still harbor continental dreams. Captain Bruno Guimaraes said after a 3-1 win: 'We are looking up, not down. We can still play European football next season. We must win the next three games.' ## Europe's expanding English presence Finishing sixth is most likely to secure a Europa League berth, while seventh would likely mean Conference League football. As many as nine English teams could qualify for Europe next season if Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace win the Europa League and Conference League respectively. Forest and Palace are both unlikely to finish in the top seven domestically. The Premier League's conclusion promises high drama, with Brentford yet to face Manchester City, Palace, and Liverpool. ## The tight race below Brentford Brighton, one point behind Brentford, still have a chance to overtake with fixtures against Wolves, Leeds, and Manchester United. Bournemouth, two points behind with a game in hand, face Palace, Fulham, City, and Forest. Chelsea, also with one fewer game played, sit three points behind and face Forest, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Sunderland. Every result will ripple through the standings as the season hurtles toward its climax.